This week (and next!) we are in Paddy McCartney’s fabulous organic garden in Greencastle. Paddy is a very well known entertainer around the peninsula (and beyond) with his unique blend of singing and storytelling. Paddy is also very passionate about his garden and has just finished running a course linked to the Western Organic Network on growing organically. He ran the practical course in his own garden and hopes it will be an annual event.
How long have you been working on the garden?
About twenty years. The garden was initially just at the front of the cottage but I have slowly been working my way down the fields.
What is your favourite plant?
I have lots of them depending on the time of year. The Pieris Forestii holds lovely memories of my friend Albert, who has sadly passed away, as we got the plants together. Verbenas are looking good at the moment, especially the Bonariensis. They do not need staking and are in flower for five months of the year. Butterflies love them and they are easily propagated.
What is your favourite feature in the garden?
Although it isn’t a garden feature as such, I do get a lot of pleasure looking out of the living room window at the garden. From there I can see the rockery and the pond with the birds splashing around in the water.
What is your favourite season and why?
I love the spring as it is the time of new growth and looking forward to the growing year ahead.
What work gives you the most pleasure in the garden?
Planting seeds of the flowers and vegetables. Even after all the years of planting it still amazes me that seeds so small can eventually grow into giant plants, trees and shrubs. I enjoy getting an early start to the year in the glasshouse. A glasshouse can extend the season too. I am growing late sweet peas, dahlias, chrysanths and cosmos under cover for a forthcoming wedding in a few weeks.
Top Gardening tips?
People ask me when is the best time to plant things. My answer to this is whenever you have the time, take the notion or have a spade handy!
Mulch the garden. Put in plenty of organic matter. If you have newspapers you can recycle those into the compost bins or beds and borders to save you the bother of taking them to the recycling centres.
Avoid the glut of home grown vegetables in summer. Don’t grow too much of one type.
More from Paddy next week….
How long have you been working on the garden?
About twenty years. The garden was initially just at the front of the cottage but I have slowly been working my way down the fields.
What is your favourite plant?
I have lots of them depending on the time of year. The Pieris Forestii holds lovely memories of my friend Albert, who has sadly passed away, as we got the plants together. Verbenas are looking good at the moment, especially the Bonariensis. They do not need staking and are in flower for five months of the year. Butterflies love them and they are easily propagated.
What is your favourite feature in the garden?
Although it isn’t a garden feature as such, I do get a lot of pleasure looking out of the living room window at the garden. From there I can see the rockery and the pond with the birds splashing around in the water.
What is your favourite season and why?
I love the spring as it is the time of new growth and looking forward to the growing year ahead.
What work gives you the most pleasure in the garden?
Planting seeds of the flowers and vegetables. Even after all the years of planting it still amazes me that seeds so small can eventually grow into giant plants, trees and shrubs. I enjoy getting an early start to the year in the glasshouse. A glasshouse can extend the season too. I am growing late sweet peas, dahlias, chrysanths and cosmos under cover for a forthcoming wedding in a few weeks.
Top Gardening tips?
People ask me when is the best time to plant things. My answer to this is whenever you have the time, take the notion or have a spade handy!
Mulch the garden. Put in plenty of organic matter. If you have newspapers you can recycle those into the compost bins or beds and borders to save you the bother of taking them to the recycling centres.
Avoid the glut of home grown vegetables in summer. Don’t grow too much of one type.
More from Paddy next week….
Horticultural.
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